Adult Life Support - Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

How often do you check for a pulse when performing CPR?

Answer 1

Every 2 minutes

Question 2

Once the AED is there and being applied, do you stop compressions?

Answer 2

No, continue until the all-clear is given

Question 3

An AED can only work for a shockable rhythm. What is a shockable rhythm?

It won’t work for asystole!!!

Answer 3

VF

Pulseless VT

Question 4

Shockable rhythm - AED:

If there is an O2 tank, how many metres away does it need to be placed if using an AED?

Over how many joules should you use?

After how many attempts should drugs be given?

What drug is given only for shockable rhythm?

Answer 4

At least 1 metre away

> 150 Joules

After 3 attempts

Amiodarone

Question 5

Non-shockable rhythm:

What is a non-shockable rhythm?

Drugs are used for this. What needs to be secured before using the drugs?

What drug is given? Route? Dose?

This drug can be used for both shockable and non-shockable rhythm!

How often do you administer this drug?

Answer 5

Asystole or pulseless electrical activity

The airway - so they need to be intubated!

Adrenaline 1mg IV/MO

Every 3-5 mins

Question 6

The 4H’s and 4T’s are used to help you think about any reversible causes of cardiac arrest.

What are they?

Answer 6

Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Hypothermia
Hyper/hypokalaemia

Thrombus (MI, massive PE)
Tension pneumothorax
Toxins
Tamponade